Using a Copy Tax Return in an Audit

Tips to Help when You are Being Audited

There is one thing that we always hate when it comes to doing our taxes and is important to have copy tax return information for. This is the dreaded IRS audit. Audits can be a scary situation and for good reason. Even if we are careful to file our taxes properly, in many cases this is not good enough for the IRS standard. When you are selected for an audit, you can represent yourself or have the CPA who has done your taxes represent you. In most cases it is best to represent yourself when it comes to an IRS audit. You will be more familiar with your situation even though your CPA may have your copy tax return information.

Be Prepared for your Audit with a Copy Tax Return

There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to IRS audits. The first thing to consider is that you need to be prepared for. While you may be familiar with tax laws, some auditors will have different interpretations and use them to their advantage. Know what you can and can’t do. Always go into your audit with the expectation that you will have to pay. Even though you think you have done everything right, auditors know how to get a little more juice. When you go to the audit, be sure to bring your copy tax return information, but do not bring the tax copies for years other than what you are being audited. They are only supposed to audit the years stated in your audit letter, however they will pursue other years if they are available. Finally, don’t give extra information. Use short and to the point answers. Elaborating on a question can provoke other questions that could lead to paying more. Stick to the copy tax return for the year you are being audited for.

What you Should Expect from the Auditor

When you get the audit letter, it usually states that there are a few things on your tax return that they would like to have a look at. The IRS uses these odd things as a doorway to probe even farther into your tax information. They will expand the search, following the trail as far as they can as long as you allow provide the doorway. They can certainly do this, but by knowing your rights in an audit, you can deter them from continuing. While they cannot audit outside of the timeframe stated, they can get a letter allowing them to. Avoid bringing an additional copy tax return to make sure they have to get permission to continue. Auditors are nice when you first meet them. They do this to see what kind of information you will give them that they can use. Be polite but do not open up. Stick to the copy tax return to make sure you are in a safe area of discussion. You should only bring what is requested. They can request a number of other things, but they have to put effort into it. Do not give them a reason and you will end up getting through your audit owing a minimal amount to the IRS. Have the right information and protect yourself with your copy tax return information to avoid extensive adjustments.

Conclusion

Audits can be a stressful situation that can cause you a lot of money. The best way to protect yourself is to have all the information need for the years being audited and give a little additional information as possible. Be sure to keep all the documents supporting the itemization of your copy tax return.

Short URL: https://copytaxreturn.com/?p=110

Posted by Admin
on Sep 14 2011. Filed under Copy Past Tax Return.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry